Europe

The Donbass coal field in eastern Ukraine is a huge reserve that once made this region one of the most powerful in the former Soviet Union. But with the collapse of the Soviet empire, industrial production has declined, forcing many local people to find work in dangerous illegal coal mines. Patrick Wells reports for VOA.

Poor Economy Forces Ukraine Miners into Illegal Operations

Patrick Wells

Published March 26, 2014

The Donbass coal field in eastern Ukraine is a huge reserve that once made this region one of the most powerful in the former Soviet Union. But with the collapse of the Soviet empire, industrial production has declined, forcing many local people to find work in dangerous illegal coal mines. Patrick Wells reports for VOA.